Diy earth/post auger borer?

[manphredd]

Hi, i am thinking of making a fence post driller for drilling holes instead of breaking my back shoveling dirt next spring.
They are cheap to buy, i know. But i want to make one thats strong and durable out of cheap scrap metal.
Would you guys brain storm a little bit with me?

I have thought of using a ice drill that ice fishers use, but i dont think they wont hold for long.
Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dragunn]

I bought a small auger blade for my power drill,only works in soft soil with no rocks.sucks.

if you don't want to break you back you need a two man auger.still too loud for me.

 

[Jhhnn]

I've used this particular auger in the past- works well & is easy to sharpen with a coarse file-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seymour-AU-S6-6-Iwan-Pattern-Steel-Post-Hole-Auger-Digger-/360502932412

If you want holes bigger than 6", renting a power auger is probably the best answer unless noise is a factor.

Ice augers have entirely different cutting geometry & probably won't work well in soil. Dunno for sure.

 

[queequeg152]

do you have access to an reasonable quality welding rig and arbor press?

you can build auger flights easily enough, and weld them to a preheated steel shaft... but will the hours of work be worth it? i vote no.

 

[blastfrompast]

honestly it depends on how many holes you have to dig as to whether it is even worth it.

I have a earth auger with a 6 inch bit...1 man gas powered jobie...I'd still rather use a shovel most days..Hitting a rock while augering SUCKS....machine twists...